Application Process

Admission to Willamette University College of Law is selective. The Committee on Admission reviews each application individually, ensuring the fair appraisal of each candidate's file. Evidence of previous academic achievement is of primary interest to the Committee on Admission.

Applying to the College of Law

Learn more about the application requirements and apply online:

Evaluation of Applications

Because of its small size, Willamette University College of Law is highly selective. The Admission Committee reviews each application individually to ensure the fair appraisal of candidates’ files. Previous academic achievement is of primary interest to the committee. Although the decision to admit a student is based chiefly on the strength of the candidate’s undergraduate work and the student’s performance on the LSAT, maturity, leadership and character also should be evident. The committee expects to read a thoughtful, well-developed personal statement and values the insights provided in letters of reference.

Admission Decisions

Willamette uses a modified form of “rolling admission.” Notifications of admission decisions are mailed beginning in January. The overall strength of the application determines how quickly a candidate is notified of admission. The decision letter will indicate that the applicant either has been admitted, admitted with a scholarship, denied admission or wait-listed. Please note that admission decisions are only communicated via a letter delivered through the U.S. Postal Service to candidates. No decisions are communicated by e-mail or over the telephone to candidates or their family members. Privacy regulations do not permit the discussion of candidates’ status with anyone except the candidates themselves.

Admitted Student Requirements

Admitted students are required to reserve their seats with a nonrefundable seat deposit, which is applied toward their tuition. Failure to submit deposits by the deadlines stated in the admission letter will result in a withdrawal of the offer of admission.
Admitted applicants must send a sealed, official transcript to Willamette that confirms the receipt of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Although official transcripts were submitted through LSDAS as part of the application process, the College of Law requires its own original copy from each admitted student.
Deferments for admitted candidates are considered on a case-by-case basis. Candidates must contact the College of Law Office of Admission for instructions regarding deferment requests and procedures. Admitted candidates who choose not to enroll and those who are not granted a deferment must submit new application materials if they choose to apply in another year. Admission in one year does not guarantee admission in another.

Additional Requirements for Joint Degree Students

A candidate admitted to the Joint Degree Program (J.D./M.B.A.) who chooses to start the program at the Atkinson Graduate School of Management should contact the College of Law Office of Admission to make special arrangements about a seat deposit and a special one-year deferment.

Commitment to a Diverse Community

Willamette University seeks to be a diverse community and to provide equal opportunity in its educational programs and activities and in employment. In keeping with the letter and spirit of federal and state laws, the institution is committed to not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status or sexual orientation. Questions regarding the University’s equal opportunity policies and practices may be directed to the Office of the President, Willamette University, 900 State Street, Salem, Oregon 97301, 503-370-6209.

College of Law

News